In a wide‑ranging interview with the weekly magazine Sieci, President Andrzej Duda warned that the track record of Donald Tusk and the Civic Platform raises legitimate concerns about a possible return to past policies if the governing camp loses the next elections. He also addressed controversial remarks made by Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party, about Poland’s political scene.
The tactics of Donald Tusk
Expressing his views in the Sieci interview, the president recalled the policies of Donald Tusk’s government, followed by Ewa Kopacz, and criticized how Poles were treated under that period. He pointed to decisions surrounding Amber Gold, the liquidation of Polish shipyards, and other elements of Polish industry, arguing that these episodes should not be repeated if the current ruling coalition is defeated. He stressed that his fears about a possible return stem from the actions of Tusk’s circle to date.
“Considering the activities of Donald Tusk and his group up to now, I think such fears are justified”, the president remarked.
When Tusk claimed that the president’s influence would soften, Duda replied that the campaign must be won first. He noted that Tusk had a chance in the last presidential election but did not pursue it for reasons he did not specify.
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Tusk’s blunt language about the presidency and the moral dimension of Trzaskowski have been highlighted in various reports. Tusk has also signaled a willingness to press the president to cooperate, while a presidential minister suggested that Tusk struggles to work with others and that the EPP’s influence appears stagnant.
Weber’s controversial statements
DF President Duda also commented on the remarks by Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s Party, which includes Civic Platform and other Polish groups. Weber had spoken on television about confronting PiS, unity within the European camp, and the broader implications for Polish politics.
“It is striking how openly an international figure interferes in Poland’s electoral process and in Polish voters’ decisions”, Duda said, adding that he could respond with a certain smile because he understands Poland’s nature and its public discourse.
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Reports have quoted Weber on foreign media outlets discussing the treatment of the rule of law in Poland and his stance on political battles. Other notes highlighted Weber declining invitations to debate and the perceived close ties between Polish party circles and their international counterparts.
Regarding opposition actions on monitoring elections and calls for an OSCE observation mission in Poland, the president suggested that such a mission might be useful if it is aligned with the concerns voiced by opposition figures. He added that past allegations about rigging elections were claimed to be unfounded, yet he warned about present attempts to undermine the legitimacy of upcoming results.
He warned that some critics might claim the elections were rigged if they lose, a narrative he described as an attempt to condition Polish society and international opinion. Paradoxically, such a mission could help keep discussions about the elections grounded in facts rather than in rhetoric. He stressed that what happens in Poland often diverges from what is portrayed abroad.
In the Sieci interview, Duda underscored the importance of transparency and the danger of external influences that could cast doubt on Poland’s electoral outcomes. He also commented on the broader political climate, noting how internal debates and external voices shape public perception during the campaign season.
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Reports about the election campaign have covered remarks by various Polish politicians, concerns about equal access to the ballot, and calls for careful oversight to ensure a fair process. Observers highlight the need for vigilant monitoring without inflaming tensions among voters. The political landscape continues to be shaped by statements from both domestic actors and international partners, each contributing to a complex narrative around Poland’s democracy.
Overall, the interview captured a moment when the Polish president reflected on past governance, current alliances, and the international dimension of domestic politics, insisting on the importance of fair electoral processes and the responsibility of all sides to respect Poland’s democratic institutions.